AARON FRANCISCO

Who he is »No. 47 for the Arizona Cardinals, Francisco was undrafted out of BYU but eventually made the team after a practice-squad stint as a rookie and is a special-teams fixture and extra defensive back in his fourth season.

When you'll see him » Francisco will be at midfield for the pregame coin toss as one of the Cardinals' captains. He will also be visible on kick coverage and on passing downs when Arizona uses five or more defensive backs.

Career outlook » The Cardinals love his special-teams work, as endorsed by the other players' voting him a captain each of the past two seasons. Coach Ken Whisenhunt also likes his future as a defensive back.

CHRIS HOKE

Who he is »No. 76 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the BYU product is a reserve nose tackle in his eighth season with the team. Hoke has played in every game this season, making three starts early in the year when Pro Bowl regular Casey Hampton was injured.

When you'll see him » Hoke is likely to relieve Hampton at some point, appearing in the middle of the defensive line.

Career outlook » Having managed to carve out an eight-year career as an undrafted player, Hoke is well liked by the Pittsburgh coaches and likely can squeeze out a few more seasons at age 32.

BRETT KEISEL

Who he is » No. 99 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the "Diesel" is in his third year as a starting defensive end and his seventh season overall. He was taken near the end of the 2002 draft out of BYU and established himself via special-teams play and backup work on defense before taking over the position.

When you'll see him » Keisel should be on the field for most defensive plays, lining up on the right side.

Career outlook » He's well established on the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense, a group that will be considered among the best in league history if the Steelers hold down Arizona's offense and win the Super Bowl. That should get him another few years in a prominent role, after he recently turned 30.

CHRIS KEMOEATU

Who he is » No. 68 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Utah alumnus is trying for his second Super Bowl ring, after starring in the Utes' unbeaten season in 2004. He was inactive for Super Bowl XLIII as a rookie, but has started throughout his fourth pro season after the team lost Pro Bowl regular Alan Faneca to free agency.

When you'll see him » Kemoeatu should pay every offensive play for the Steelers at left guard.

Career outlook » The Steelers' line has been criticized this season, but has improved to where Kemoeatu and others appear to have secured their starting jobs for the immediate future.

DEUCE LUTUI

Who he is » No. 76 for the Arizona Cardinals, Lutui came to his hometown NFL team from Snow College via USC, where he blocked for Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. A second-round draft pick, he has started most of the time since his rookie season in 2006.

When you'll see him » Lutui plays right guard, meaning he will not be on the same side as Steelers end Brett Keisel, but he may occasionally work against reserve nose tackle Chris Hoke.

Career outlook » Lutui is developing well under line coach Russ Grimm and Leinart, the Cardinals' No. 2 quarterback, believes his former teammate can become one of the league's best guards.